Candidates for the Ledbury North Ward election speak

We asked each of the candidates to say who they were and why they decided to stand.

The vacancy arose after the resignation of Maria Mackness, last summer.

SUE BETTINGTON of Albert Road said: "Having lived in Ledbury for over 40 years with my husband Phillip and family, I had the honour of being Mayoress twice in the time that my husband was a Town Councillor; so I know how difficult it is to deal with problems within the council.

"I will be standing as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming election; my interests include the environment and leisure activities; one of my aims is the Town Trail, to return it to a facility that the whole town can use and be proud of. For walking or cycling it's a fantastic asset to Ledbury.

"I am involved with the local church and volunteer at the Children`s Centre; my daughter has disabilities and lives at home with us. Unfortunately, due to a current medical condition I am unable to walk long distances around the North Ward to call on everyone; that being said I hope to gain support of the ward electorate and to continue the good work my husband Phill did for the 17 years he was on the council.

"Serving the community is my key aim if elected, and Thank You in advance for your support."

GEORGE HAMILTON PROBYN (Liberal Democrats) of Gloucester Road said: "I have lived in Ledbury for about 18 months, but was previously resident in Mathon for nearly 20 years, up to 2002. I then moved to Welsh Newton Common, also in the county, in 2013 I moved into Ledbury for its vibrant high street as and excellent bus train services. Before finally retiring in 2001 I worked in IT internationally.

"I was, for some years, treasurer of the Ledbury Deanery. My wife passed away in 2001 and I have four children and three grandchildren.

"I want to maintain local services and take Herefordshire County Council to task over pavements and road repairs. I have already reported several serious potholes to Balfour Beatty and will continue to chase them up until the issue is resolved.

"I also want to encourage fiscal responsibility in LTC and ensure council money is spent on the people of Ledbury, not on internal politics.

"I am calling for more to be done about the housing needs of local people whose salaries make it impossible to buy or rent at current market rates. Locally, thousands of people are on waiting lists; I wish to ensure upcoming housing developments have enough affordable housing to address this issue."

JEAN SIMPSON (Independent) of Churchill Meadow said: "My professional background is in nursing and my continued interest is in people and in their personal needs and concerns. I have experience in developing and implementing policy, governance and change implementation delivering cost effective people centered services to time and to budget.

"Since retiring I have maintained my interest in healthcare matters by fundraising for charities including Marie Curie. I am also involved with the local U3A [ university of the third age] groups. I regularly attend PACT meetings to contribute to the work of this important community council and Police partnership.

"I support the recently published Town Plan for Ledbury and am an active member of the local Civic Society which is pioneering the innovative Ledbury Places project to build a sustainable future for our Heritage Buildings.

"Local government is facing challenging times and this has its share of issues to address. There are difficult decisions to be made and increasing pressure on the Council to accept new and unfamiliar responsibilities. I believe I have the experience to make a helpful contribution to the work of the Council. Please support me with your vote on November 3."